If you’re even remotely right into email newsletters, you have actually probably listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something different concerning this system, something that makes designers like you stop, breathe, and claim, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv CRM…
I have actually been precisely where you are. Attempting to select the best email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. However after almost ten years helpful individuals navigate e-mail marketing and two years running my own e-newsletter, I finally took the plunge and gave Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness test run.
And spoiler: I really did not simply mess around. I relocated whatever over. Below’s why you could want to do the exact same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re reputable. They have actually obtained a clean user interface and a faithful community of authors. But when it involves money making and audience ownership, they drop the ball. Hard.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “follow” feature on Substack? It seems awesome theoretically, right? Like, more visibility, even more engagement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” aren’t real customers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t get your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever choose to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So basically, you’re constructing a listing … that you don’t have.
Now compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can build an actual connection. That’s how it should be.
The Hidden Expense of Convenience
Currently let’s chat money. Every time a person spends for your e-newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 client? You’re stealing simply over $6. Not terrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform costs. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That additional money builds up quickly, specifically if you’re planning to grow or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to develop an organization (even a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating right into your earnings prior to you also start.
What It’s In Fact Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re worried that moving your listing or setting up automations will be a discomfort … don’t be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: damaged forms, ghosted clients, styling headaches. However with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking useful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain
Something that blew me away was domain warming. Rather than just tossing your e-mail domain into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv slowly presents your domain utilizing their very own infrastructure. It’s clever. Like, actually smart.
And importing my list? Smooth. No cool CSV issues. No clients disappearing into the void. Even linking my website was great– alright, the designing took a little bit of elbow grease, however hey, no system’s best.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t flawless. Yet it’s great. Really excellent.
You can drag, go down, style, and preview effortlessly. If you’re refraining from doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll most likely enjoy it. Wish to decrease in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly alert you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had actually wonderfully created newsletters get sliced off mid-sentence. Not fun.
But I discovered a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size before sending out. It’s a bit hand-operated, sure, once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the dreaded clipping concern.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely beams.
It resembles they actually desire you to grow your target market. Stunning, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your present subscribers bring in brand-new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Wish to run a giveaway? Offer a benefit for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of other newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Cash, Fewer Migraines
This was one of the most significant reasons I transferred to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated advertisement network that connects you with actual enrollers.
Customizable paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for purchasing website traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was currently gaining more than I ever before did on my old platform and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: the majority of newsletter devices uncommitted regarding your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They provide you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, modern homepage
- Archive web pages for your past concerns
- Custom types, branding and Beehiiv CRM
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for many developers, it’s sufficient. And it simply works. No unpleasant DNS configs or damaged embeds. Just plug it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t simply obtain open and click rates. You get real understandings:.
Where subscribers came from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much cash you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and optimize every step of your funnel, from type to open to acquire. Which sort of exposure? Priceless when you’re attempting to expand on purpose.
What Beehiiv Might Enhance?
No platform is perfect, and Beehiiv’s obtained room to grow. Here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a bit stiff. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss some shopping features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be faster on the unusual edge cases.
However below’s the thing, Beehiiv really pays attention. I have actually currently seen updates roll out based upon user comments, which’s a truly good indicator.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv CRM
If you’re a developer, author, or indie author who desires:
- To expand your listing quickly,
- To keep complete ownership of your subscribers,
- To in fact earn money without system charges,
- And to not battle with cumbersome e-mail builders …
After that of course, you ought to absolutely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want innovative CRM automations, perhaps look somewhere else. Yet if you’re constructing a community, an individual brand name, or an interest job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
FAQs Concerning
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and completely supported. No CSV problems right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Just the common Stripe 3% charge. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv great for newbies?
Absolutely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you’ve never ever established an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Target market possession, much better monetization devices, no system charges, and extra list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you heat it up for far better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all native features.